BOURNEMOUTH-based Cornelius Carr has thrown down the gauntlet to former world champion Chris Eubank.

Carr wants to go toe-to-toe with outspoken Eubank, who has hinted he wants to return to the ring.

“As soon as I heard about Eubank’s proposed comeback, I was up for a fight,” said 43-year-old Carr, who has lived in Bournemouth since 2001.

But, before Carr comes out of retirement, he must first persuade the Eubank camp that he’s the man to fight.

Eubank’s interest in boxing has been rekindled by his son Chris Junior’s unbeaten professional record and a desire for a third fight with Nigel Benn.

But in a bold message to Eubank, Carr said: “Forget Benn, Chris. If you want a real fight, take me on.”

Carr, who works as a personal trainer at the Bulldog Gym in Lansdowne Road, said: “I’m not doing this for the publicity. I legitimately want to fight a big name and they don’t come much bigger than Eubank.

“I’m convinced a fight with Eubank would generate a lot of interest here and in Brighton (Eubank’s home town).

“Even though Bournemouth isn’t really a boxing town, I believe more than 10,000 tickets could be sold for a Eubank fight at the BIC.

“But, don’t get me wrong, I’m not interested in fighting anyone else. It’s all up in the air at the moment and I’m still waiting for a response to my challenge.”

Eubank revealed earlier this month that he would love another fight with Benn on the same bill as one of his son’s contests.

“I don’t think Benn would get a licence after such a hard career and I’m a more credible opponent,” said Carr.

“Eubank is 45 years old and isn’t going to box anyone as good as Carl Froch.

“He would want to come back against someone he thinks he can beat – and he would think he can beat me.”

Carr, meanwhile, is still waiting for a response from Eubank’s agent on his proposal. He added: “We sparred hundreds of rounds as professionals and I’ve got the style to beat him.

“I don’t think I can beat him, I know I can – it’s just a gut feeling that I have.”

In a distinguished career, Carr won 34 of his 38 fights, from 1987 to February 2001.

Among Carr’s highlights was a narrow points defeat against the ‘Celtic Warrior’ Steve Collins for the WBO super middleweight title in Dublin.

And, four years later in 1999, Carr won his own world title – the WBF middleweight championship. He also held the British super middleweight title.

Carr also sparred with the legendary Roy Jones when the American was at the peak of his career.

The Teessider, who also works at the Phoenix Gym in Winton, retired in 2001 after he damaged a hand before his third WBF middleweight defence.